As the eve of the 14th anniversary of the September 2011 terrorists’ attack approaches, many Americans find themselves feeling uneasy and vulnerable. Naturally we remember this day as a day of distress all throughout the nation—families destroyed to those who lost their lives and as a whole, and a country known as arguably the most powerful in the world at a frightful standstill.

On September 11, 2001, two planes hit the World Trade Center towers in New York, another crashed into the Pentagon, and a fourth hijacked plane (en route to the White House) crashed in Pennsylvania—resulting in the largest loss of life attack in America since Pearl Harbor.

Even after all of the bodies had been exhumed and things started to clear up in NY, the death toll was on the rise due to the subsequent deaths related to inhalation of fumes from that day, which in fact were all ruled as homicides. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,996 people, including the 19 hijackers. The 2,977 victims included 246 on the four planes (from which there were no survivors), 2,606 in the World Trade Center/surrounding area, and 125 at the Pentagon.
Though conspiracies, theories, and myths about what actually happened on 9/11 are still prevalent through the news and other forms of media, it is important to remember that this day should serve as a day of togetherness and national pride for Americans—with liberty and justice for all.

Here in Wilmington, the Wilmington Fire Department holds a 9/11 Memorial at Wilmington’s Empie Park Fire Station. The memorial honors 7 Wilmington firefighters who have lost their lives in line of duty since the department began in the mid 1800’s, as well as the 343 NYC firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11 fourteen years ago. The memorial is surrounded by 7 statues representing Wilmington’s fallen firefighters. A bronze statue of a firefighter in the center holds a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center following the attack on 9-11. The memorial is open 7 days a week to the public, where visitors and residents are encouraged to stop by.

Nonetheless, be aware of your surroundings and take extra caution as you bear in mind this unforgettable day.

By Amber L. Younce, Legal Assistant

When you get to the Wilmington International Airport, you will notice a huge display of an American flag in the welcoming area.

Next to the flag is a plaque, which reads as follows:

**Operation Noble Eagle**

American Flag Flown At the

Pentagon Crash Site

Washington, DC

September 13-22, 2001

Donated By

The Wilmington Rotary Club

To Honor the Service of

The Salvation Army To The

Victims of The September 11 Tragedy

As Well As Its Continued Service To

The Citizens of New Hanover County.

May The Display of This Flag At ILM

Serve As A Constant Reminder of That

Tragic Day And The Effect It Has Had

And Will Continue To Have On

Each And Every American.
“SERVICE ABOVE SELF”

Julie A. Wilsey, AAE, Deputy Director, Wilmington International Airport, shared the following information:

The Salvation Army leader, Major Robert Vincent, and several from the local organization in Wilmington went to Washington, DC to assist with recovery operations at the Pentagon.  While they were there, they flew several flags over the site.  The lead volunteer brought the flag back to Wilmington as gift to the residents and volunteers who helped with post 9/11 recovery.

The Salvation Army Leader was a member of the Downtown Rotary Club.  In discussion with several Rotarians, they tried to think of a place in Wilmington where the flag could be displayed and have a symbolic message. One Rotarian, Ron Gumm, suggested the airport near the security check point.  Ron was also a part-time employee at ILM for coordinating Air Shows and other Special Events.

I was the Facility Director at ILM, and in 2001-2002 we were planning a renovation of the airport terminal.  We decided to have a case designed in the project to hold the flag for all to see as they go through security.  It is a perfect backdrop to the process, and it has significant meaning because the events of 9/11 changed airport security and created the TSA.  Our renovation finished in May 2004 and the flag was part of the Grand Opening ceremony.  Also, the Downtown Rotary Club presented the plaque for the flag.

WRAL posted on September 13, 2001, that the Salvation Army’s North and South Carolina Division assigned counseling team four mobile kitchen units and related personnel to Washington, DC.

Major Richard Watts, Commanding Officer for the Salvation Army of Wilmington, NC, provided more insight about the role of the Salvation Army during the 9/11 after mess. Major Watts himself was the Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army of Columbia, SC at that time and was assigned to serve the Pentagon crash site where he arrived in the evening of September 12, 2001. However, because this site was not just a disaster, but a crime scene, and because the Pentagon is our federal defense headquarters, Major Watts had to undergo a FBI clearance which lasted for five hours. Further, the site was secured by two fences and before entering the secured area, at first one had to undergo two searches, later on four searches including one by canines. While the Salvation Army mainly provides food and emotional and spiritual support for families and friends of disaster victims, they also provided America flags to cover the coffins of the victims. Major Watts also reported that American flag were flown throughout the Pentagon, along the fences and hallways. However, due to the site being a crime scene, no one was allowed to take pictures. Major Watts witnessed and incident where a FBI agent confronted a man who took pictures regardless, through him to the ground and confiscated the footage.

The display of the flag has a great meaning especially to everyone who served during the 9/11 after mess as well as our service men and women who come through Wilmington International Airport.

Anthony D’Erasmo, Public Safety Officer at Wilmington International Airport, is a retired New York City Police Officer and he was one of the first responders to the World Trade Center, said that having the flag displayed in the welcoming area of the airport is a reminder of the event of 9/11 and a sign of appreciation of those who served and those who serve our country.

By Sarah Morgan Collins (4^th Grade AIG Local History Project)